At Least 39 Dead in Crowd Crush at Tamil Nadu Political Rally

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC

At least 39 people, including children, died in a deadly crush at a political rally in Tamil Nadu on Saturday, officials said. Tens of thousands had gathered in the southern Karur district for a campaign event featuring actor-turned-politician Vijay.

Local media reported that the event had been delayed by several hours, contributing to the overcrowding. Television footage showed people fainting in the tightly packed crowds as panic spread.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin confirmed that the victims included at least 17 women, 13 men, and nine children. A further 51 individuals were receiving medical treatment following the incident.

Compensation of one million rupees (approximately $11,300 or £8,400) will be provided to the families of the deceased, Stalin said, and an official inquiry into the tragedy has been announced.

Eyewitness accounts painted a scene of heartbreak. One man told news agency ANI that his brother’s two sons had been at the rally, adding, “The elder one passed away, the younger one is missing. My relatives, my sister-in-law, is in the ICU. What should I do?”

In a statement online, Vijay expressed that his heart was “broken” and that he was in “unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow.” He offered his “deepest sympathies and condolences” to the families of the victims and prayers for a “speedy recovery” to those hospitalized.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “unfortunate” and “deeply saddening” in a post on X.

Tragic crowd crushes are a recurring problem in India. Several similar incidents have occurred this year alone, including at the Kumbh Mela Hindu festival and outside cricket stadiums, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at large public gatherings.